Search on for accused in sandalwood theft from IGP’s residence

Search on for accused in sandalwood theft from IGP’s residence

Mangalore Today News Network

 Udupi, Aug 22, 2017: The police have launched a search for those involved in the theft of sandalwood from the residence of Inspector-General of Police (Western Range) at Mary Hill here on July 28. According to Kavoor police, some people entered the premises in the early hours of July 28 amid heavy rain and took away stem of four sandalwood trees. The incident occurred when then Inspector-General of Police P. Harisekaran was not in station.

Following the incident, District Armed Reserve Sub-Inspector H. Krishnappa filed a complaint with the Kavoor police on July 28. The complaint was registered under Sections 379 of Indian Penal Code and Sections 86 and 87 of the Karnataka Forest Act. “These men have taken advantage of heavy rain. We are on the look-out for the accused,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Hanumantharaya.

The Forest Department officials have visited the place of theft and seized the stump. While one tree that was cut off was an old one and was located behind the bungalow of the IGP, the remaining three sandalwood trees were young and were located in the garden in front of the bungalow. The premises of IGP is spread over five acres of land.

Range Forest Officer P. Sridhar said that the girth of the old tree that was cut off was about 60 cm, while that of the two young trees were of 40 cm and that of the other young tree was 30 cm. The accused managed to get sandalwood of about 15 cm from the old tree. There was no sandalwood in the three young trees, he said. They were assisting the police in tracing the accused, he said.

Courtesy: The Hindu